The mother of a 15-year-old girl who shot and killed as the two waited in line Friday night at a South Los Angeles hamburger stand made an urgent plea for help in finding her daughter's killer.
Samantha Mays spoke at a news conference Monday when a $50,000 reward was announced for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the slaying of Hannah Bell. The girl was shot at about 9 p.m. Friday at the Best Burger hamburger stand near 77th Street and Western Avenue and died at a hospital.
"It was wrong to take my daughter, she was innocent," Samantha Mays said. "I just need him to come forth -- the young man that has done this to my daughter. It would be best for you to just come forward; maybe it would be easier on you if you just give in and take your punishment like you deserve."
A male wearing a black hoodie was last seen leaving the location on foot, southbound on Western Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Police said they have not determined a motive for the killing.
A detailed description of the shooter was not available.
Mourners attended a vigil for the girl Sunday evening at the scene of the shooting. At the emotional gathering, Mays said she talked with her daughter, described as a "rock" of the family, about how to react to street violence.
"I used to practice with them, if somebody shoots, to get down, but I never thought somebody would be so bold to just walk up and shoot randomly," she said.
The reward was offered by the Los Angeles City Council for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the suspect or suspects responsible for the killing. Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call 877-527-3247.
If you would like to donate to a GoFundMe account set up for Hannah Bell's funeral costs, you may do so here. Note that GoFundMe deducts 2.9 percent of all funds raised, plus 30 cents per donation, in the form of payment processing charges.
